| | Backgrounder
July 3, 2008
Minister appoints chair and board members to new agency
Edmonton... The Alberta government’s strategy to revitalize the provincial livestock and meat industry has reached its first major milestone by naming the chair and the initial board members of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA).
Joe Makowecki, President of Heritage Frozen Foods, has been appointed as the first chair of ALMA and Ted Bilyea, Charlie Gracey and Kee Jim have been named as its first board members. The board will now begin its work leading the recently created agency to help transition Alberta’s livestock industry into competitiveness and sustainability.
“This agency will play a vital role in re-invigorating Alberta’s livestock industry and it was essential that we found the right people to lead it,” said George Groeneveld, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. “As chair, Joe Makowecki brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and a long history of success. Under his direction, the agency is well prepared to spear-head the kind of fundamental changes that are required.”
First announced in June as part of the provincial government’s Alberta Livestock and Meat Strategy, the new agency is modeled after similar successful organizations in other countries. It will redirect government funds, resources and programs to help revitalize the livestock sector, enhance the value chain and achieve the necessary changes to build a competitive livestock industry.
“Alberta faces intense competition in the domestic and international marketplaces for livestock products,” said Makowecki. “Our competitors are well organized – we must be too. I am looking forward to working with the new board as we work to create an environment where Alberta’s livestock industry can thrive and prosper.”
ALMA will help market Alberta as a leader and innovator in Canada and throughout the world. This year, the Government of Alberta will provide $56 million to support its work.
- 30 - Attachment: Biographies of the board members
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Alberta Ag Media line
780-422-1005 |  |
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000
_______________________________
Backgrounder
July 3, 2008
Biographies of the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency board members
Joe Makowecki
Joe Makowecki is President of Heritage Frozen Foods, manufacturers of Cheemo Brand products. Since joining the family business in 1992, he has helped guide it from a small family operation to a global player in the food industry. His strategic business skills have been well utilized on numerous boards including Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), Alberta Economic Development Authority, the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and Food Beverage Canada. In 2007, he was named one of the Globe and Mail’s “Top 40 under 40”.
Ted Bilyea
Ted Bilyea is an Agri-food consultant specializing in innovation with clients in both the private and public sectors. He is the former President of Maple Leaf Foods International and during his 35 years with the company, helped establish it as Canada’s largest food exporter by growing market shares in more than 80 countries and entering Europe’s specialized bakery business. Bilyea continues to bring a wealth of knowledge to many boards and agencies, including Paterson Global Foods Inc. and C.V. Technologies Inc. (Cold FX).
Charlie Gracey
Charlie Gracey is a livestock industry consultant and former Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. With expertise in the cattle industry and international trade, Gracey has been a key resource for the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, the Canadian Livestock Identification Agency and the Canadian Beef Grading Agency. He also has a long history of involvement with numerous boards and agencies, including the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.
Kee Jim
Dr. Kee Jim is a founding partner of Feedlot Animal Health Services, which provides comprehensive beef industry consulting services, including herd health programs, field veterinary services and computerized individual animal data recording systems to feedlots throughout Western Canada and the United States. Dr. Jim also belongs to many agencies and boards serving the cattle industry and veterinarian community. He has received numerous awards, published hundreds of articles, conducted extensive research projects and regularly lectures worldwide on animal health issues.
- 30 - Media inquiries may be directed to:
Alberta Ag Media line
780-422-1005 | |
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000 |
|